WASHINGTON, DC – We are joyful that American Keith Siegel was among multiple hostages released today after 484 days in captivity. Since October 7, 2023, the families of hostages taken by Hamas have been trapped in a waking nightmare.
Foley Foundation President and Founder Diane Foley said, “The world has been holding its breath in the hope that all captives would be set free. That hope has been only partially fulfilled.”
“The Foley Foundation calls on all leaders with the power to sustain the progress made to date to act with moral courage to prioritize the return of all hostages,” Foley continued. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all who negotiated these most recent releases.”
While we rejoice with the Siegel family, this horrific ordeal is not over until all of the hostages come home. Among the scores of hostages still held by Hamas, there are six Americans including four whose bodies remain held captive, even in death. Their names are Itay Chen, Judih Weinstein-Haggai, Gadi Haggai, and Omer Neutra – may their memories be a blessing. Progress in releasing hostages – including the dead – under the terms of the ceasefire deal must continue unabated. This horrific ordeal must end. Americans Sagui Dekel-Chen and Edan Alexander are believed to be alive. Their freedom must be secured.
After more than a year and three months of trauma, those who have been released so far can finally begin the long road to recovery. For those who remain, the trauma is ongoing.
The use of innocent human beings as bargaining chips is an abhorrent practice. It must end. Would-be captors must be dissuaded and deterred from carrying out these devastating violations of human rights. Innocent people deserve to live a life free from hostage-taking and wrongful detention.
Photo: Ronen Harish, GPO
